Among its 2009 inductees, the California Museum Hall of Fame has included retired Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager, the Air Force test pilot, who, among numerous feats and an Air Force career that included becoming a fighter ace in World War II and flying combat over Vietnam, was the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound. The induction ceremony takes place Dec. 1. In an Aug. 25 release, Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said that the state’s hall of fame “celebrates our most influential women and men, and honors them for their drive, willingness to take risks, dedication and success in touching the lives of millions of people—not just in this state but around the world.” (Museum’s inductee Web page)
U.S. Air Force F-35s and F-22s regularly deploy deep into the Pacific region from Alaska, Utah, and Hawaii. In the future, though, the head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command would like to see the Air Force permanently station fifth-generation aircraft west of the international date line—closer to China.